Spike Generation Governed By the Stochastic Ion Adsorption-Desorption Process

Abstract

There is a deep conviction that the generation of the action potential is one of the most fundamental biological activities. According to membrane theory, active ion transport and its flow variations across the plasma membrane are responsible for generating the action potential. However, in contrast to the living model, an in vitro model based on the adsorption-desorption process of ions could explain the generation of the action potential. The authors constructed such a model and mathematically related it using the stochastic differential equation (SDE). This model is based on the ion adsorption-desorption process and SDE, and it is consistent with the kinetics of the reaction. The model could be applicable to explain the action potential generation mechanism of a living cell. We came to conclusion that it is physiologically important to reexamine the mechanism of action potential generation from the perspective of the ion adsorption-desorption model.